THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 28, 1996 TAG: 9603270094
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 24 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KEITH POMPEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 93 lines
NORVIEW BOYS TRACK coach Alan V. Williams makes no bones about it.
``We are the team to beat'' in the Eastern District, Williams said.
Who's going to argue? The Pilots return nine key performers from last year's 5-0 squad.
Leading the pack is sophomore Erik Hines. At last year's district meet, Hines won the 400 meters, finished second in the 110 hurdles and anchored the winning 1,600-meter relay team.
Other returning standouts include Dwayne Potts, Larry Austin and James Whitley. Potts finished fifth in the district 100 last year, Austin was second in the 200, and Whitley was third in the long jump and high jump, fourth in triple jump and fifth in the 110 high hurdles.
Elsewhere in the area:
Southeastern District: Great Bridge hasn't won a regular-season track meet in two years, but the Wildcats have won the past two district meets. And they have enough back to make it three in a row.
Among the Wildcats' returnees are Jason Buckley, Eric Adams and Tobias Nolen and Brian Hunter. With a time of 1:55, Buckley is one of the state's top 800-meter men. Adams is the defending district champion at 3,200 meters. Hunter took fourth in the state in the pole vault and third in the high jump. And Nolen is the Eastern Region indoor champ in the shot put.
Beach District: Green Run was in a class by itself last year, walking away with the 1995 district championship and the Group AAA state 400-meter relay crown. With 11 returnees, the Stallions are heavy favorites to repeat.
Leading the way is senior Cedric Warren. He won the 100 and 200 and anchored the winning 400 meter relay at last year's district meet. Warren should get help from Plaxico Burress and Sevend Mason. Burress is one of the district's top hurdlers. Mason is one of the area's top 400-meter runners.
Tidewater Conference: With 13 returnees from last year's conference championship team, Norfolk Academy is the team to beat.
Look for Biren Roy to continue where he left off last season. The junior, who placed at nationals in the mile, was named TCIS and Prep School MVP.
This is a look at the Eastern District teams, with the finish in last year's district meet:
NORVIEW
Coach: Alan Williams.
1995 finish: First.
Key performers: Potts (Sr., 100); Hines (400, 110 HH); Austin (Jr., 200); Whitley (Jr., long jump, high jump, triple jump, 110 HH and 300 IH); Lee Oliveras (Jr., 800); David Martin (Jr., triple jump); Joe Jordan (Jr., 400); Kenny Harrison (Sr., long jump); Melwood Waters (So., discus)
Outlook: The Pilots are balanced in the sprint and distance events. Hines' potential is unlimited. The 400 meter and 1600 relays should qualify for the Group AAA state championships.
GRANBY
Coach: Hank Sawyer.
1995 finish: Second.
Key performers: Anthony King (Sr., long jump, high jump, 100); Ray Martin (Sr., shot put, discus); Delano Harris (So., 1600, 3200); Joe Bryant (Sr., 400); Mack Hall (Sr., 100, 200); Mankeil Shaw (So., 110 HH, 300IH); Wil Thornton (Sr., shot put); Antwaine Dowe (Sr., discus, shot put); Josh Blizzard (So., 800, 1600); Rueben Waites (Sr., pole vault)
Outlook: With 45 athletes, Granby should finish in the top half of the district. Anthony King, last year's district MVP, will lead by example.
MAURY
Coach: Joe Thornton.
1995 finish: Third.
Key performers: Dallas Williams (Sr., 800, 1600); Jerimiah Bell (Sr., 400, long jump, triple jump); Alton Dance (Sr., high jump); Lamont Hurst (Sr., 100, 200); Rodney Brown (Jr., 100, 200); Shavor Harvey (Sr., 100, 200)
Outlook: The Commodores will have to work hard to be a contender.
LAKE TAYLOR
Coach: Floyd Conley.
1995 finish: Fourth.
Key performers: Deshawn Hendricks (So., 400, 800); Anthony Horton (So., 400); Jerrod Colston (So., 100, 200) Antwain Treadwell (So., 400, 110 HH, 300 IH); Joebert Fortunn (Jr., 800).
Outlook: With only six returners, the Titans are expected to finish last in the district.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
Coach: Larry Stepney.
1995 finish: Fifth.
Key performers: Delvin Young (Sr., high jump); Detrell Woods (So., 100, 200); Cheron Fowler (Sr., 110 HH, 300 IH); Alex Laws (Jr., pole vault); Bryan Riddick (Sr., 800).
Outlook: Coach Stepney feels if the Bookers get more sprinters they'll be competitive. But the team is fairly young with a lot of newcomers. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by LAWRENCE JACKSON
Norview's Erik Hines won the 400, was second i nthe 110 hurdles and
anchored the winning 1,600 relay in last year's district meet.
by CNB